As most of you know, before Polaris acquired Indian in mid-2011, the motorcycles were built by Indian Kings Mountain in North Carolina. Not far away from the plant, Indian Motorcycle Charlotte was built as the flagship dealership and is still today one of the largest and finest dealers. For the first time Indian Charlotte offers exclusively a few never titled “Kings Mountain” Indian

The 2010 Indian Chief Vintage featured here is just one of them. All examples are absolutely flawless and in 100% pristine condition. They all feature fuel-injected 105 cubic inch PowerPlus® V-Twins, 6-speed Baker transmissions and Brembo brake systems. Production was very limited, so these examples are historically significant. There will never be a better time to acquire one. Only 1100 total Kings Mountain Chiefs were ever built from 2009-2013 and many are in collections all over the world. FYI, 2011 is the last year the Chief was built in Kings Mountain, NC and subsequent KM designed bikes were built in Spirit Lake Iowa under the ownership of Polaris who purchased the brand in mid 2011.

To have the chance to purchase a brand new “Kings Mountain Chief” is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Financing is available for as long as 72 months pending approved credit. Contact us today to discuss your options. Shipping to your door is no problem at all. Learn more HERE or call 704.879.4560

Was Kings Mountain using the same PowerPlus 100 piece of junk that contributed to the demise of the Gilroy Indians, or was the engine updated and improved? I agree that it looks good, but boy, were those things troublesome.

The power plus engine is almost completely an evo/HD clone wrapped in different cooling fin profile, rocker covers, cam cover and their own unique oil pump that is on the front of the gearcase instead of the rear. They are (were) troublesome. Also, there was an entity between Gilroy and King’s Mountain but I can’t remember who. The drive train itself w/exception of the primary housings (i.e. engine/trans) is easily serviceable with available evo parts s’long as you don’t trash cases, cylinders, heads, oil pump………….y’know, the BIG parts. I could rattle on and on about ’em. The trans is nothing more than a softail set up 100%. The primary is softail too in respect to the chain, compensator etc. but the housings are unique/hard to replace/find gaskets etc. The clutch is a unique piece but I’d bet any 5 speed big twin clutch would probably fit. Starter is more or less 89-up. Starter ring & pinion 89-93. I might be wrong on some details w/out looking at one of these bikes 1st hand but I’m not far off. You couldn’t give me one of these things unless I planned on using it as a boat anchor. If I had a “collection” I MIGHT consider adding one but I’d never plan on running it to any extent. The rest of the bike/chassis tend to be cheesey throughout. THOSE are the parts that’d be difficult to find.

Small wonder people like he look of this engine; it’s a modified Harley engine. If you look at the last engine Indian every built in 1953 you will see something closer to what is being made today. I’m no fan of Polaris after what they did with Victory and would have to think long and hard before ever buying another one of their products but I believe in giving credit where it’s due and they did a good job on the new Indian engine. My test ride on a few of them proved they run as good as they look.

I think what Shanedrive said confirms what Cyril said about it being a collector and not a daily rider. It’s new an perfect for someone who wants a nice looking bike for their collection or maybe the lobby of their business.

Thanks for sharing our great bikes and their story Cyril. As you know, we love Indians, all of them. A trip through our shop on any given day will yield some odd and rare product, from a 1960 ‘Enfield’ Indian to a 2017 Scout custom. (yep, we have a ’60 in the shop right now).

While most of the current Indian dealers focus on the awesome Spirit Lake machines, we service, maintain and sell them all, from Springfield to date. In addition to the incredible find of new Kings Mountain Chiefs (the 2 2012 models we have were built in Spirit Lake at the current Indian plant), we also have an interesting collection of special Gilroy Chiefs as well. As one of the small circle of Indian only dealers, Indians is all we breath and bleed…

The Kings Mountain Chiefs are refined and re-engineered versions of the Power Plus Chiefs from Gilroy using new tooling, Nikasil plated cylinders, Stellite valves, fuel injection, taller deck height and much more. They also had updated suspension and larger sets of Brembo brakes and an automotive type electrical system. Most important was the assembly process, whereas each motorcycle was assembled by a team of two artisans, complete with their signature on a build certificate. The fit and finish exceed any production motorcycle built to date, take a hard look at the photos…

Indian Motorcycle Charlotte is proud to offer these rare motorcycles to an enlightened few. Actually, four of the 8 have sold in less then one week, obviously a few folks understand that this great opportunity will be short. FYI, we maintain a complete stock of service parts for the Kings Mountain Chiefs and all of the Gilroy motorcycles as well. These ‘brand new; Chiefs also have a 1-year power-train warranty direct from Indian Motorcycle

From 2009 through 2013, only just over 1100 of the Kings Mountain, NC designed Chiefs were built. Regardless if the haters concur or not, each one is now an important part of motorcycle and Indian history. Long live Indian Motorcycles…

So, they couldn’t sell these years ago, but now their collectible ?? Give me a break, not hardly. Nothing against Indian, hope they do well, but I wouldn’t trust Polaris any farther than I could throw them, just my 02 cents.

These negative people don’t know what they’re talking about. I’ve got an 09, never a problem. It is not even remotely close to Harley design, and Polaris still makes all things for drive train. They were too expensive, like built for order. That’s why there aren’t any more around. I will never part with mine, as it is the finest Bike I’ve ever ridden. I own a Harley too.

Thanks for your input, Paul hoppe. I’ve read a fair amount of negative comments on KM Indians since I purchased my 2009 Chief Deluxe, but I’ve seen some positive postings as well. The latter are usually from people who actually own a KM bike, while the doomsayers have possibly never ridden or owned one. I love mine, but the jury is still out on long-term reliability. I’ve owned 16 bikes in my life–all American made–and this is the best looking ride I’ve ever owned. Like you, Paul, I still own a Harley…and I probably always will. But I finally fulfilled a longtime goal of owning an Indian Chief. And two thumbs-up to Indian Motorcycle Charlotte. They’ve been really helpful over the phone and will be my first choice if/when I’m looking for a replacement part. Heck, I might even ride or haul it cross-country and have them work on it.

I have to agree with Mark Moses. The truth is they are very handsome bikes indeed. I have 2 now and the parts are not a problem even here in Australia we have most service parts in stock. The baker 6 speed transmission is industry standard as is the starter and most of the primary/clutch system.

Yes its an upgraded Gilroy Powerplus and without problems although it does need a fuel management system and hi flow air filter to get the best from it. (like nearly every other V Twin)

Good comment Ray. Take mine to sturgis every year and never leave the bike for more than 5 minutes and people stop to look and comment on it. Get compliments every day I spend in sturgis on what a beautiful bike it is.
Motor has had some updating by Sisu Fab in Fargo ND and runs right with my 103 Harley with stage 3 updates. With that said parts are expensive but Charolette Indian has them.

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